Chili Cheese Dog Casserole (Print View)

Cheesy chili dogs tucked in buns and baked for a hearty, comforting main perfect for groups.

# Components:

→ For the Casserole

01 - 8 beef hot dogs
02 - 8 hot dog buns
03 - 2 cups canned chili
04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (optional)
08 - 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional)

→ For Garnish

09 - 2 green onions, sliced
10 - 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the hot dog buns in the prepared dish, fitting them snugly, and place one hot dog into each bun.
02 - Evenly distribute the canned chili over the encased hot dogs and buns, ensuring a thorough coating. Sprinkle the chopped onion and half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.
03 - Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the top. If desired, for enhanced flavor, add the optional yellow mustard and ketchup.
04 - Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Following this, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
05 - Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and pickled jalapeños, if using.
06 - Serve the chili cheese dog casserole hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
  • Perfect for feeding a hungry family or game day gathering
  • Can be prepped ahead for busy weeknights
  • Kid-approved and adult-friendly comfort food
02 -
  • Perfect for meal prepping and can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead
  • Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully
  • Can be customized to suit different heat preferences
  • Great for using up leftover chili from another meal
  • Freezes well for future easy dinners
03 -
  • Always place the hot dogs deep enough in the buns so they don't roll out during baking
  • Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-packaged shredded cheese for better melting quality
  • Let the casserole rest for the full 5 minutes before serving to make portioning much easier
  • For extra flavor, toast the buns lightly before assembling the casserole
  • Consider warming the chili before pouring over the hot dogs for more even cooking

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